There are so many reasons to be in Los Angeles in the summer and one of them is the amount of fun events for families. We’ve compiled a list of the best Outdoor Summer Concerts for Families in and around Los Angeles. Most of them are free and all of them are a really fun way to be together as a family and hear great music by DJ and local and national musicians.

Photo courtesy of Grand Performances

Twilight Concerts
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Each Thursday evening, the Santa Monica Pier is the site for Twilight Concerts. Enjoy live music right on the beach all summer long beginning on June 22 through August 17 (skipping July 6). Concerts begin at 7:00 pm. Check the line-up on the website and be sure to RSVP for these popular events.

KCRW Summer Nights
Locations all over Southern California

KCRW is hosting a series of free, all-ages outdoor performances from June 17 to September 23, 2017. Performances include live bands and DJ sets from KCRW’s Raoul Campos and Dan Wilcox. Locations include the Hammer Museum in Westwood, One Colorado in Pasadena and the Santa Monica Pier.

Concerts on Canon
Beverly Canon Gardens
241 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA

Every Thursday evening, from June 8th through August 31st, families are invited to enjoy free live musical performances. A variety of musical genres will be performed including big band, Brazilian Jazz, oldies, and more. There are two 45-minute performances each night — one at 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm and one from 7:15-8:00 pm. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Sizzling Summer Nights
Autry Museum of the American West
4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Thursday nights from July 6th through August 17th, the Autry hosts Sizzling Summer Nights. These fun events are described as “outdoor parties” complete with free dance lessons, opportunities to explore the Museum’s galleries, a separate children’s dance floor, and more. Music begins at 6:30 pm, but before that food and drinks are available for purchase. Reservations are recommended. 

2017 Summer of Music
Redondo Beach Pier
100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Redondo Beach Pier is the site of free concerts every Thursday and Saturday night during the summer from July 1st through September 7th. Musical genres include jazz, rock, salsa, swing, country, blues, and Hawaiian. Concerts are from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Big World Fun
Ford Theatre
2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E., Hollywood, CA 90068

On Saturday mornings during July and August, the Ford Theatre hosts Big World Fun performances. These special events serve to introduce children to a variety of music and dance styles. Before the show, children are entertained and educated with craft activities as well as opportunities to learn about different wild animals. Performances are designed for children ages 4-12. Admission is $5 for adults, with children attending for free. Check the website for more information.

Concerts on the Green
Warner Park
5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA

Concerts on the Green are scheduled for Sunday evenings from June 11 through August 20 (with no performance scheduled on July 2). Bring a picnic, blankets, low chairs, and pillows and get ready for fun, family-friendly musical evenings. These free concerts begin at 6:00 pm and end at 8:00 pm.

Concerts in the Park
Polliwog Park
1601 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Each Sunday, from July 2nd through September 3rd, Manhattan Beach’s Polliwog Park is the site of free summer concerts. Enjoy sunshine, good times, and good music at these popular concerts. Concerts are from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Family Fundays
Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum
1419 N. Topanga Canyon, Topanga, CA

It’s “musical fun for the whole family” at Family Fundays. Performances are on select Sundays (from July 16th through September 24th) at 10:30 am. These interactive theatre experiences are designed for children two and older. 

Hermosa Beach Summer Concerts
South Side of the Hermosa Beach Pier, Hermosa Beach, CA

Each Sunday in August, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, the south side of the Hermosa Beach Pier is the location for free concerts. End the week, and gear up for the next week, with fun, music, and a sunset show!

Friday Night Music
The Original Farmers Market
6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90036

Each Friday night, from May 26th through September 1st, the Farmers Market hosts its annual Friday Night Music series. These free performances are from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm and feature a variety of musical genres including swing, Brazilian, Latin jazz, and more.

El Segundo Summer Concerts in the Park
Library Park
600 Block of Main St., El Segundo, CA

Library Park in El Segundo hosts four free concerts during the summer on June 18th, July 9th, July 23rd, and August 6th. Concerts begin at 4:00 pm. Local food trucks will also be on site.

Pasadena POPS
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, CA 91007

The Pasadena POPS will be performing at the L.A. Arboretum on five different Saturdays (June 17, July 15, July 29, August 19, September 9). Concerts are scheduled for 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Tickets are available online.

Jazz at LACMA Series, Latin Sounds, and Sundays Live
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036

A great way to introduce children to different musical genres is by attending a free concert at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Their “Jazz at LACMA Series” recently began on May 5th. Each concert is held on Friday evenings and begins at 6:00 pm. LACMA’S “Latin Sounds” is held each Saturday afternoon at 5:00 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The “Sundays Live” series is a weekly chamber music series held each Sunday at 6:00 pm.

50 Free Concerts
Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles
MacArthur Park
W. 6th St. and S. Park View St., Los Angeles, CA

MacArthur Park is the site of 50 free summer concerts, from June 17th through September 10th. Their goal is to “make live music accessible to all, creating stronger and more connected communities while celebrating the diversity of our city and beyond.” Check the website for a complete schedule.

Levitt Pavilion Pasadena
85 E. Holly St., Pasadena, CA 91103

Enjoy free concerts at Levitt Pavilion Pasadena from June 29th through September 3rd. A variety of music genres will be performed including jazz, blues, children’s, Latin, and more. Check the website for a complete schedule.

Garden Concerts for Kids
The Getty Center
Getty Center Dr. and Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA

The Getty Center hosts a free, outdoor, family-friendly music series this summer. Families are invited to bring blankets, but lawn chairs are not allowed. The annual series is held on Saturdays and Sundays during the month of August beginning on August 5 and 6.

Grand Performances
California Plaza
300-350 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90013

Downtown Los Angeles offers Grand Performances — a series of free events all summer long. Most events are held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with some being daytime events (12:00 pm) while others are evening performances (8:00 pm). Performances include music, dance, screenings, and more. A designated “Family Series” will allow families to experience the classic Peter and the Wolf through different musical interpretations including classical, big band, and more. Interactive activities begin 30 minutes prior to the performance. (Performance dates are July 30, August 6, August 13, and August 20).

Summer Music Series
The Point at Rosecrans and Sepulveda
850 S. Sepulveda Blvd., El Segundo, CA 90245

The Point hosts free live musical performances each Wednesday in July and August. Concerts are from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm and cover a range of musical genres including oldies, country, Latin, and more.

Concerts in the Park
Chumash Park
5550 Medea Valley Dr., Agoura Hills, CA

The city of Agoura Hills hosts its own Summer Concerts in the park series. Performances are on Sundays (June 18, July 9, July 16, August 6, and August 20). These free concerts begin at 6:00 pm and include tributes to popular performers such as The Police, U2, and The Who.

Weekend Concerts at Fisherman’s Village
13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, CA

Fisherman’s Village is the site of free weekend (Saturday and Sunday) musical concerts throughout June. Concerts are from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and include a variety of musical genres including salsa, blues, country, and more.

Tiny Porch Concerts
Peter Strauss Ranch
30000 Mulholland Hwy, Agoura Hills, CA 91301

You’ll enjoy new musical talent at the monthly Tiny Porch Concerts performances (May through September). Tiny Porch Concerts was established to “promote all types of live, original music at unique, rural settings, creating a cultural experience, while giving back to the community and providing some financial support to the artists and the National Parks.” Families may bring low chairs, blankets, and picnics to the concerts. Concerts are scheduled for June 11, July 9, August 20, and September 9.

Marina del Rey Summer concert Series
Burton Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Free concerts are held at Burton Chace Park on Thursdays and Saturdays (in July and August) from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. On alternating Thursdays, families will enjoy classical and opera performances. On alternating Saturdays, performances will include a mix of folk, indie, and pop groups.

Downtown Stage Saturday Concert Series
Pershing Square Summer Concerts
532 S. Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90013

From July 8 to August 27, Pershing Square is the site of Saturday Concert Series. Families are invited to come, relax, and enjoy free musical entertainment. Guests are welcome to get comfortable beginning at 7:00 pm in preparation for the 8:00 show. Food trucks will also be on hand.

Monterey Park Summer Concerts
350 W. McPherrin Ave., Monterey Park CA 91754

Enjoy the sweet sounds of summer in the City of Monterey Park, Barnes Park Amphitheater. The FREE concert series will begin each night at 6pm. Amphitheater seats and Lawn seating available. June 11th – Video Star (80’s music), July 4 – Kaught Looking & Firework Show, August 13 – Bulletproof Soul (R&B, Funk & Top 40).

Starlight Bowl Summer Concerts
1249 Lockheed View Drive, Burbank, CA 91501

Enjoy the great location and awesome sight lines at the Starlight Bowl this Summer, with an impressive lineup of musical acts. This terrific park venue in the City of Burbank offers food for sale or allows you to bring your own picnic to enjoy. Shows begin at 6:30pm. This is a ticketed event, with premium seats available as well as blanket and beach chair areas.